Cushion for protecting spinal posture

ABSTRACT

The cushion for protecting spinal posture is for placing on a flat chair surface and includes a base member, a sacrum support member on the base member perpendicular to the flat chair surface, and a back support element at 90 or 135 degrees from the flat chair surface. The sacrum support member presses against the user&#39;s sacrum and forces the user&#39;s vertebral column to be perpendicular to the flat chair surface, thereby maintaining the straightness of the user&#39;s vertebral column.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to seating device and more particular to a cushion for protecting spinal posture.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

A common source of pain is from the vertebral column out of long-term inappropriate posture. According to statistics, people spend about one half to two third of time sitting when they are under age. As to adult people, more than 50% of them requires sitting for an extended period of time. Especially in modern times, due to the ubiquitous computers and televisions, people are constantly sitting in front of computers and televisions both at work and at home. As such most people have their vertebral columns shaped like a forward tilted C. After a long period of time, the stress on the vertebral column and the tension of the muscle all lead to significant pain. Around the world, people are spending significant amount of money on the various treatments to cure or lessen back pain.

Conventional seat cushions cannot maintain the physiological curvature of the vertebral column. In the common sitting posture where both feet are on the ground, the pelvis is tilted forward, the vertebral column curves backward and loses its physiological curvature. The body weight then falls entirely on the tailbone, ischial, lumbar disc, and thighs' rear sides, significantly burdening the waist or tailbone. For those who like to cross their legs, the burden to the ischial is even greater and may even lead to bone deformation.

China Patent No. CN 202143662 U teaches a seat cushion that causes user to stretch their legs and prevents leg crossing. As the weight is balanced on the two legs, thereby not only working out the legs but also relieving the pressure on the waist and tailbone. However, the seat cushion fails to support the user's sacrum and the user wouldn't maintain an upright sitting posture over a period of time.

According to research, sacrum is a pivot point when sitting. If the sacrum is perpendicular to the chair surface, the vertebral column would be straightened more easily. Especially that there is a very limited range between the sacrum and the fifth section of the lumbar, therefore if the sacrum is maintained to be perpendicular to the chair surface, the vertebral column would be prevented from curving, thereby lessening the imbalance of pressure on the intervertebral disk. Currently, there is no device designed to support the sacrum.

There are two basic types of sitting postures. In an upright posture, the vertebral column is perpendicular to the chair surface. In another posture, the user is laid back and the weight of the upper body is distributed on the backrest of the chair. It would be most comfortable when the vertebral column is at 135 degree relative to the chair surface. The present invention, therefore, is designed to be applicable for both postures in supporting the user's sacrum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A major objective of the present invention is to provide a cushion for protecting spinal posture that keeps the sacrum perpendicular to the chair surface so as to straight the vertebral column for users of different ages and desires and to shape and beautify the user's buttocks.

To achieve the objective, the technical solution provided is as follows.

The cushion for protecting spinal posture is portable and includes a base member for positioning the cushion for protecting spinal posture on a flat chair surface, and a sacrum support member configured on the base member perpendicular to the flat chair surface against a user's sacrum when the user is seated on the base member. The base member is formed using thermoplastics with less than 5^(m)/_(m) flat piece into a concave shape. A layer of soft foam material is attached to a surface of the base member and a section of the sacrum support member that contacts the user. Both the base member and the sacrum support member are made of a material of Shore hardness greater than 80A.

In one embodiment, the base member and the sacrum support member are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the cushion for protecting spinal posture further includes a support rod extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member and upward above the base member. The sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod and is located above the base member. The sacrum support member includes an extension element and a plate element configured on a front side of the extension element. The extension element includes a movable sleeve having grooves inside. Correspondingly, a top section of the support rod is configured with threads. The sacrum support member is movably joined to the top section of the support rod, and the sacrum support member's height is adjustable.

In one embodiment, the cushion for protecting spinal posture further comprises a support rod extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member and upward above the base member. The sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod and is located above the base member. The sacrum support member includes an extension element and a plate element configured on a front side of the extension element. The extension element includes a movable sleeve so that the sacrum support member is movably joined to the top section of the support rod, and the sacrum support member's height is adjustable.

Another technical solution is as follows. The portable cushion for protecting spinal posture includes a base member for positioning the cushion for protecting spinal posture on a flat chair surface, a sacrum support member configured on the base member perpendicular to the flat chair surface against a user's sacrum when the user is seated on the base member, and a back support element configured on the base member supporting the user's back when the user is seated on the base member. The base member is formed using thermoplastics with less than 5^(m)/_(m) flat piece into a concave shape. A layer of soft foam material is attached to a surface of the base member and a section of the sacrum support member that contacts the user. Both the base member and the sacrum support member are made of a material of Shore hardness greater than 80A.

In one embodiment, the base member and the back support element are integrally formed. The cushion for protecting spinal posture further includes a support rod supporting the user's weight extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member, and the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod.

In one embodiment, the base member and the back support element are integrally formed. The back support element is at an angle of 90 or 135 degrees with the flat chair surface. The cushion for protecting spinal posture further includes a support rod supporting the user's weight extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member, and the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod.

In one embodiment, the back support element and the sacrum support member are individually and movably configured on the base member. The cushion for protecting spinal posture further includes a support rod supporting the user's weight extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member, and the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod.

In one embodiment, the cushion for protecting spinal posture includes a pedestal joined to a bottom end of the support rod contacting with the flat chair surface, and a reinforcing member sleeved over a bottom section of the support rod between the base member and the pedestal. The reinforcing member includes a tubular body and a support plate at a top end of the tubular body. The tubular body is sleeved over the bottom section of the support rod, and the support plate is tightly joined to and against a bottom side of the base member.

In one embodiment, the base member includes a concaved basin section whose curvature conforms to that of the user's buttocks and a front section contacting the rear sides of the user's thighs, and the front section is forwardly extended from a front edge of the basin section.

Compared to the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages.

Firstly, the sacrum support member presses against the user's sacrum and, as the sacrum support member is perpendicular to the flat chair surface, forces the user's vertebral column to be perpendicular to the flat chair surface, thereby maintaining the straightness of the user's vertebral column. The back support element may also function as the sacrum support member, and is at 90 or 135 degrees from the flat chair surface. When the angle is 90 degrees, the back support element supports the user's sacrum. When the angle is 135 degrees, the back support element is for supporting the user's back so that the user may maintain a comfortable posture.

Secondly, the cushion for protecting spinal posture has a concave basin section that may distribute evenly the user's weight and is able to shape and beautify the user's buttocks.

Thirdly, the cushion for protecting spinal posture has a thin base member that can be placed on various types of chairs and locations and is very portable.

Fourthly, the height of the sacrum support member may be freely adjusted so as to satisfy the needs of users of different ages and habits.

The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings, identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional diagram showing a cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional diagram showing the cushion for protecting spinal posture of FIG. 2 where a support rod and a sacrum support member are screwed together.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional diagram showing the cushion for protecting spinal posture of FIG. 2 where a sacrum support member is sleeved over a support rod.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional diagram showing a cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional diagram showing a cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another schematic sectional diagram showing a cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

As shown in FIG. 1, a cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a base member 10 and a sacrum support member 20. The base member 10 is an integrally formed thin piece for being positioned reliably on a flat chair surface. More specifically, the base member 10 is formed using thermoplastics with less than 5^(m)/_(m) flat piece into a concave shape. The base member 10 is rigid and made of a material of Shore hardness greater than 80A. A layer of soft foam material may be attached to the surface of the base member 10 so as to provide a soft sense of touch while preserving the base member 10's rigidness. The base member 10 includes a concaved basin section 11 whose curvature conforms to that of a user's buttocks and a front section 12 contacting the rear sides of thighs. The basin section 11 receives and supports the pelvic part of the user, and the front section 12 is forwardly extended from a front edge of the basin section 11. Adjacent to and along a front edge of the front section 11, a handle opening 101 is provided so that the cushion for protecting spinal posture may be hand-carried conveniently. It should be understood that the location of the handle opening 101 is not limited as such.

In the present embodiment, the sacrum support member 20 is integrally formed with the base member 10. The sacrum support member 20 is perpendicular to the flat chair surface where the cushion for protecting spinal posture is placed and is against the user's sacrum so as to straight the user's vertebral column. The sacrum support member 20 is made of a material of Shore hardness greater than 80A. A layer of soft foam material is attached to a section of the sacrum support member 20 that contacts the user, so as to provide both support and comfort.

A cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The present embodiment is structurally identical to the previous embodiment. Their differences are described as follows.

The cushion for protecting spinal posture further includes a support rod 30 extended vertically through a through opening 102 at a rear central location of the base member 10 and upward above the base member 10. The support rod 30 is rotatably configured.

The sacrum support member 20 is disposed at a top end of the support rod 30 and therefore is located above the base member 10. More specifically, the sacrum support member 20 includes an extension element 21 and a plate element 22 configured on a front side of the extension element 21. The extension element 21 includes a movable sleeve 211 having grooves inside. Correspondingly, a top section of the support rod 30 is configured with threads. The sacrum support member 20, therefore, may be joined to the top section of the support rod 30 and the sacrum support member 20's height may be adjusted. The sacrum support member 20 as such may be adjusted to fit users of different ages and desires. The configuration of the sacrum support member 20 is not limited as such. The sacrum support member 20 may be sleeved over the support rod 30, as shown in FIG. 4.

A bottom end of the support rod 30 may be joined to a pedestal 40 to enhance the reliability of the cushion for protecting spinal posture on the flat chair surface and to prevent the support rod 30 from punching through the flat chair surface.

The cushion for protecting spinal posture may further include a reinforcing member 50 sleeved over a bottom section of the support rod 30 between the base member 10 and the pedestal 40. More specifically, the reinforcing member 50 includes a tubular body 51 and a support plate 52 at a top end of the tubular body 51. The tubular body 51 is sleeved over the bottom section of the support rod 30, and the support plate 52 is tightly joined to and against a bottom side of the base member 10.

A cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. The present embodiment is structurally identical to the previous embodiment. Their differences are described as follows.

In the present embodiment, a back support element 60 is further included for supporting the user's back. The back support element 60 is joined to a top edge of the base member 10 and is integrally formed with the base member 10. The back support element 60 forms an angle of 135 degrees with the flat chair surface so that the user would feel comfortable. The extension element 21 of the sacrum support member 20 is rotatably joined to the support rod 30 by a pivotal element 70. The sacrum support member 20, therefore, may be turned to be perpendicular to the support rod 30. Both the back support element 60 and the sacrum support member 20 may also be individually and movably configured on the base member 10. The support rod 30 runs through the opening 102 and has its top section joined to the extension element 21 of the sacrum support member 20 and the back support element 60 so as to sustain the user's weight.

A cushion for protecting spinal posture according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The present embodiment is structurally identical to the previous embodiment. Their differences are described as follows.

In the present embodiment, the back support element 60 also functions as the sacrum support member 20. The back support element 60 may form an angle of 135 degrees or 90 degrees with the flat chair surface. When the angle is 90 degrees, the back support element 60 also functions as the sacrum support member 20 to support the user's sacrum. When the angle is 135 degrees, the back support element 60 is for supporting the user's back.

The operation of the present embodiment is described as follows.

The sacrum support member 20 is against the user's sacrum. As the sacrum support member 20 is perpendicular to the flat chair surface, forcing the user's vertebral column to be also perpendicular to the flat chair surface.

When the user is seated in the cushion for protecting spinal posture, the curvature of the base member 10 distributes the user's weight. In addition, the back support element 60 supports the user's back. The user, therefore, maintains a comfortable posture.

The gist of the present invention lies in that the sacrum support member presses against the user's sacrum and forces the user's vertebral column to be perpendicular to the flat chair surface, thereby maintaining the straightness of the user's vertebral column. The back support element is adjustable to be at 90 degrees or 135 degrees with the flat chair surface. When it is at 135 degrees, the back support element supports the user's back to further enhance the comfort of the user. When it is at 90 degrees, the back support element is against the user's sacrum. The curved base member evenly distributes the user's weight, thereby help shaping and beautifying the buttocks. The thin base member may be positioned on various types of chairs or locations, in addition to being convenient to carry. Furthermore, the height of the sacrum support member may be adjusted along the support rod, so that the cushion for protecting spinal posture is applicable to users of different ages, habits, and requirements.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the claims of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A portable cushion for protecting spinal posture, comprising a base member for positioning the cushion for protecting spinal posture on a flat chair surface; and a sacrum support member configured on the base member perpendicular to the flat chair surface against a user's sacrum when the user is seated on the base member; wherein the base member is formed using thermoplastics with less than 5^(m)/_(m) flat piece into a concave shape; a layer of soft foam material is attached to a surface of the base member and a section of the sacrum support member that contacts the user; and both the base member and the sacrum support member are made of a material of Shore hardness greater than 80A.
 2. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 1, wherein the base member and the sacrum support member are integrally formed.
 3. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 1, further comprising a support rod extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member and upward above the base member; wherein the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod and is located above the base member; the sacrum support member comprises an extension element and a plate element configured on a front side of the extension element; the extension element comprises a movable sleeve having grooves inside; correspondingly, a top section of the support rod is configured with threads; the sacrum support member is movably joined to the top section of the support rod; and the sacrum support member's height is adjustable.
 4. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 1, further comprising a support rod extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member and upward above the base member; wherein the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod and is located above the base member; the sacrum support member comprises an extension element and a plate element configured on a front side of the extension element; and the extension element comprises a movable sleeve so that the sacrum support member is movably joined to the top section of the support rod.
 5. A portable cushion for protecting spinal posture, comprising a base member for positioning the cushion for protecting spinal posture on a flat chair surface; a sacrum support member configured on the base member perpendicular to the flat chair surface against a user's sacrum when the user is seated on the base member; and a back support element configured on the base member supporting the user's back when the user is seated on the base member; wherein the base member is formed using thermoplastics with less than 5^(m)/_(m) flat piece into a concave shape; a layer of soft foam material is attached to a surface of the base member and a section of the sacrum support member that contacts the user; and both the base member and the sacrum support member are made of a material of Shore hardness greater than 80A.
 6. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 5, wherein the base member and the back support element are integrally formed; the cushion for protecting spinal posture further comprises a support rod supporting the user's weight extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member; and the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod.
 7. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 5, wherein the base member and the back support element are integrally formed; the back support element is at an angle of 90 or 135 degrees with the flat chair surface; the cushion for protecting spinal posture further comprises a support rod supporting the user's weight extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member; and the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod.
 8. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 5, wherein the back support element and the sacrum support member are individually and movably configured on the base member; the cushion for protecting spinal posture further comprises a support rod supporting the user's weight extended vertically through a through opening at a rear central location of the base member; and the sacrum support member is disposed at a top end of the support rod.
 9. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 3, 4, 6, 7, or 8, further comprising a pedestal joined to a bottom end of the support rod contacting with the flat chair surface, and a reinforcing member sleeved over a bottom section of the support rod between the base member and the pedestal; wherein the reinforcing member comprises a tubular body and a support plate at a top end of the tubular body; the tubular body is sleeved over the bottom section of the support rod; and the support plate is tightly joined to and against a bottom side of the base member.
 10. The cushion for protecting spinal posture according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the base member comprises a concaved basin section whose curvature conforms to that of the user's buttocks and a front section contacting the rear sides of the user's thighs; and the front section is forwardly extended from a front edge of the basin section. 